.300 PRC
The .300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) is a long-range rifle cartridge introduced by Hornady in 2018 — purpose-designed to launch heavy, high-BC .308-inch bullets at high velocity from a long-action bolt rifle. Unlike older .300 magnum cartridges that were designed around shorter, lighter bullets, the .300 PRC uses a longer, more modern case design optimized for 212–250 grain VLD (Very Low Drag) and ELD-X bullets with high ballistic coefficients. It was specifically designed around Hornady’s 212gr ELD-X and 225gr ELD-M bullets for maximum long-range performance. The US military adopted the .300 PRC for the Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) program.
Read our full .300 PRC Guide ↓
Why .300 PRC vs. .300 Win Mag
The .300 Winchester Magnum has been the dominant .30 caliber magnum for decades, but its case geometry was designed in 1963 around shorter, lighter bullets. The .300 PRC uses a longer case with more freebore that properly seats modern long, heavy VLD bullets — the .300 Win Mag has insufficient magazine length and freebore to properly utilize these bullets without seating them into the powder charge. The practical result: the .300 PRC produces comparable or slightly higher velocity with 212–250 grain bullets, with better inherent accuracy potential due to the optimized chamber geometry. For shooters who want maximum performance with modern heavy high-BC bullets, .300 PRC is the technically superior choice. For shooters who want the broadest ammunition availability and rifle selection, .300 Win Mag’s 60+ year head start gives it a meaningful practical advantage.
Military Adoption
The .300 PRC was selected for the US Special Operations Command CSASS (Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System) and has been adopted by several allied nations’ military sniper programs. Military adoption validates the cartridge’s long-range terminal performance and reliability under field conditions — a meaningful credibility marker for precision rifle buyers.
Rifles Available in .300 PRC
Fierce Arms, Weatherby 307, Browning X-Bolt, Ruger Precision Rifle, Christensen Arms, and Bergara B-14 HMR are among the production rifles available in .300 PRC. The cartridge requires a long-action receiver and appropriate magazine length — not all long-action bolt rifles are chambered in .300 PRC. Verify chambering before purchasing components or ammunition.
Frequently Asked Questions: .300 PRC
How far can you shoot .300 PRC?
With quality 212–225 grain ELD-X or ELD-M ammunition and a capable rifle, .300 PRC is a practical 1,500+ yard cartridge for precision shooting. For hunting, 800–1,000 yard ethical shots are achievable for skilled shooters with confirmed data. The high BC of the designed-for bullets produces minimal wind drift and retained velocity at extended distances that older .30 caliber magnums with shorter bullets can’t match.
Is .300 PRC ammo readily available?
Availability has improved since introduction but .300 PRC remains less available than .300 Win Mag. Hornady is the primary domestic manufacturer; Federal, Browning, and Nosler produce runs in .300 PRC. For serious long-range use, most .300 PRC shooters handload to access the full range of heavy VLD bullets at optimized velocities.
See Also: Bolt-Action Rifles • .300 Win Mag Ammo • 6.5 Creedmoor • Hunting Rifles • Bergara